GroundBreak Corner

Strategic Curiosity: Asking the Right Questions Before Giving Answers Strategic curiosity is a competitive advantage in construction and business because the best outcomes start with better questions, not faster answers. In a more complex market, leaders who pause to understand the real need, hidden risk, and unseen opportunity will consistently outperform. Read More Increasing Cashflow…

With War Raging and Oil Surging, What is the Economic Outlook? With a war raging in the Middle East, trade wars at play elsewhere, crude oil prices rising above $100 a barrel, the White House threatening a Cuba takeover and U.S. saber rattling directed toward Greenland, economic policy uncertainty is peaking and major investment decisions…

Construction is navigating a defining moment—where leadership, not just execution, determines who pulls ahead. From cross-generational trust and workforce engagement to character and artificial intelligence, the common thread is clear: strategy only works when people do. The firms that invest in clarity, culture, and disciplined innovation today will be the ones building what lasts tomorrow….

2026 Look Ahead with Christi Powell, ABC Carolinas GroundBreak Carolinas is pleased to share thoughts and insights from key leaders in the construction industry from North Carolina and South Carolina. Christi Powell, President & CEO of ABC Carolinas, shares her thoughts about 2026.  Read More Construction Industry Must Attract 349,000 Workers in 2026 Despite Macroeconomic…

The Economic Situation and What Lies Ahead With the books for 2025 ready to be closed and knuckles still white from the roller coaster ride generated by President Trump’s first year policy actions, and all this compounded by war, terrorist attacks, and a recovering post-COVID world, Dr. Bruce Yandle provides his report with a summary…

How Field Technology Is Transforming Construction Jobsites: ABC Unveils 5th Annual Tech Report Associated Builders and Contractors released its fifth annual construction technology report, the ABC Field Tech Report, which highlights the tools and innovations shaping project sites, showcasing the possibilities and opportunities when technology transforms construction in the field. Read More Careers in Construction…

The U.S. Economy and Prospering Carolinas With fall approaching and football upon us, our national economy continues to respond to almost daily policy shocks as the Trump administration constantly unveils major changes.[1]  Federal departments are being shuttered, a global trade war is underway, thousands of undocumented workers are being arrested, jailed and deported, and the…

Behind the Hardhat: A Recap of the 2025 ABC Carolinas Construction Convention The 2025 ABC Carolinas Construction Convention, themed “Behind the Hardhat: Collaboration in Construction,” was recently held at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach Ocean Resort, drawing construction professionals from across the region for three days of inspiration, networking, and innovation. Read More The Carolinas’…

ABC Carolinas Announces New Leadership Team and Expanded Roles The Board of Directors for ABC Carolinas proudly announces several new appointments and expanded roles within its leadership team, reinforcing the organization’s mission to serve and advance the merit shop construction industry across both North and South Carolina. Read More Contractor Optimism Grows as ABC’s Backlog…

The Mid-Year Roller Coaster Economy As we approach mid-year, this is a good time to assess the economic situation. GroundBreak Carolinas contributor Dr. Bruce Yandle gives his perspectives on the economy, tariffs and the construction industry. Read More ABC Carolinas Members Attend LegCon in Washinton DC Last week, a contingent of ABC Carolinas members descended…